Since their inception, salons and barbershops have served a crucial role for Black communities as sanctuaries of empowerment and cultural expression. Standing as pillars of artistry and culture throughout history, these sacred spaces are where stories and laughs are shared, meaningful connections are formed, and social activism is born.
They've also functioned as an important socio-cultural institution, impacting beauty standards and shaping industry trends—from historically rich, protective hairstyles to modern, cutting-edge styling techniques. To this day, Black-owned salons and barbershops are a place to celebrate the beauty of hair in all its forms while continuing to serve as a community anchor and safe haven.
Ahead, we're shining a spotlight on four businesses that embody excellence—from their top-notch services to the deep roots they’ve planted within their communities. Discover what makes these Black-owned salons and businesses stand out, and learn more about the top-requested services that have their clients coming back time after time.
Credit: Fades of Gray Barbershop (@fadesofgray)
Fades of Gray (Minneapolis, MN)
Nestled in the vibrant Elliot Park neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis, Fades of Gray Inc. (@fadesofgray) has been a cornerstone of the community and an industry driver since 1999. Founded by master barber and CEO Julian Gray, this premier, four-chair barbershop is known for its ability to combine top-tier service and talent with a welcoming, diverse, and family-friendly environment where all are welcome.
Fades of Gray is more than just a place to get a quality fade, cut, shave, trim, or hair design—it’s a hub of community connection where everyone, from kids to professional athletes, come together to be uplifted, educated, and celebrated. Owner Julian Gray is a staunch believer in giving back to the community through civic engagement, collaborating with several non-profit organizations and spearheading initiatives such as a book donation partnership that helps underprivileged children gain free access to books and educational resources.
Credit: Fades of Gray Barbershop (@fadesofgray)
Trending Services: Bald Fades, Razor Lining, and Taper Cuts
According to Gray, the most popular services at his shop are taper cuts, bald fades (high tops), razor lines, and razor shaves—an old school technique you won’t find available at many modern barbershops. Their razor shaves take about 45 minutes to one hour to complete, and vary in price from $50 to $65. Maintenance for razor shaves will depend entirely on the client’s preference, according to Gray, but ideally should be done about twice per month.
When it comes to taper cuts and bald fades, Gray says that anyone can pull off these looks, from a business man to a high school kid. He uses high-quality tools, like his JRL Professional Adjustable Clippers, for the majority of his cuts as well as products like Tend Skin Post-Shaving and Waxing Solution and Nature’s Blessing All-Natural Hair Oil.
Gray also explains that, regardless of the service, prepping is crucial—his barbers always begin with freshly-cleansed hair free of oil or product, as this can jam up the clippers and slow the process down. Whether you’re looking for a sharp taper cut or a rejuvenating razor shave, Fades of Gray’s attention to detail and welcoming atmosphere will ensure you always leave feeling your best.
Credit: JE Parlour (@je_parlour)
JE Parlour (Suitland, MD)
JE Parlour (@je_parlour), located in a suburb of Washington, D.C., was established in 2017 by award-winning stylist, Mizani Artist, Redken Ambassador, and SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards) along with his husband Daryl Austen. The upscale six-chair salon was dreamed up with the intention of creating a safe, welcoming space where textured hair is celebrated and cared for with the highest level of skill and expertise.
“At JE Parlour, we understand that many women in our community have faced disappointing salon experiences, leading to a lack of trust in hairstylists,” says Edmonds. “Our mission is to provide an elevated salon experience, driven by our passion for education and the commitment to offer each guest the professional service they deserve.”
Credit: JE Parlour (@je_parlour)
Trending Services: Silk Press and Single Process Color/Gray Coverage
The multi-hyphenate educator, trichologist, and "texpert" says that the salon’s top styling service is a silk press and the top color service is a single process color or gray coverage. “Both services are great for all texture types,” says Edmonds. A silk press can last up to three weeks, but clients will typically opt for the treatment bi-weekly, which usually takes 1.5 hours and starts at $157 (a steam press starts at $177). A single process color or gray coverage client is normally back in the salon within six to eight weeks for a retouch at approximately $222 per visit.
Credit: Swella Braid Bar (@swellabeauty)
Swella Braid Bar (Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC)
Swella Braid Bar (@swellabeauty) is redefining the salon experience for women of color with their full-service, luxurious yet affordable braid bar. With locations in Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Swella Braid Bar opened its doors in 2023 with a mission to create a modern-luxury braid bar that would revolutionize textured haircare with a seamless, safe, and standardized experience. Co-founders Brooke Hill and Zanbria Asante created Swella Braid Bar to help eradicate common challenges associated with protective hairstyles while celebrating and caring for textured hair.
Their expert styling, advanced technology, and deep cultural appreciation has quickly made them a go-to destination for women of color seeking a sacred space where comfort, community, and efficiency meet. Swella offers a calm, uplifting environment with high-speed Wi-Fi, mobile desks for productivity, and soothing aesthetics designed for relaxation and empowerment. Both locations feature eight full-service braiding chairs and a team of experts that consistently deliver premium results while maintaining a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of braiding. From its warm, inviting environment to its attention to detail, Swella Braid Bar is quite literally raising the bar for textured hair services.
Credit: Swella Braid Bar (@swellabeauty)
Trending Services: Knotless Box Braids and Boho Knotless Box Braids
At Swella, the most requested services are medium knotless box braids and medium boho knotless box braids—two protective hairstyles that are gorgeous, versatile, and always trending. Their medium knotless box braids are priced at $330+, take approximately four to six hours to complete, and last for four to eight weeks with proper maintenance. Hill says this style is great for busy professionals, travelers, and anyone seeking a protective, low-maintenance, and versatile hairstyle.
For clients who want a volume-filled, bold, stylish look for vacations, special events, or everyday wear, Hill recommends trying their boho knotless box braids. This service is available starting at $385, takes around five to six hours to complete, and lasts for four to eight weeks with proper maintenance. For boho knotless box braids, their stylists create knotless braids, then add free-flowing curls for a bohemian-inspired style using Swella’s 100% Human Hair Curly Extensions.
When performing either of these services, Hill says that they rely on high-quality tools and products, such as Ashtae Shampoo and Conditioner, Design Essentials Heat Protectant, and Magic Fingers Conditioning Mousse and Finishing Spray. 
Credit: Swella Braid Bar (@swellabeauty)
Platinum Cuts (Inglewood, CA)
Platinum Cuts (@platinumcuts.barbershop) has been a beacon of style, community, and barbering excellence since it first opened its doors in March 2000. Located in the bustling downtown of Inglewood, CA, this barbershop is home to some of the best barbers in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and attracts a loyal following of top athletes, entertainers, and locals. Platinum Cuts was co-founded by John “Burgandee” Clausell (@johnburgandee)—personal barber to Kevin Hart—and barber Ajene Davis after years of honing their craft. The shop quickly grew into a local hot spot with five full-service chairs and a roster of highly skilled barbers.
Known for their family-friendly atmosphere and community-centered vibe, Platinum Cuts is a place where clients can connect, unwind, and catch up on everything from sports to current events. The team prides themselves on fostering a clean, safe, and inclusive space that strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and personal connection. Over the past two decades, Platinum Cuts has solidified its reputation as one of Los Angeles’ most notable barbershops.
Credit: Platinum Cuts Barbershop (@platinumcuts.barbershop)
Trending Services: Fades and Taper Cuts
Fades and taper cuts are the two most requested services at Platinum Cuts, according to co-founder Ajene Davis. The barbers at Platinum Cuts tailor these sought-after cuts according to each client’s preferences and always begin with a clean, grease-free canvas to ensure precise results.
They use state-of-the-art barbering tools from brands like Andis, Wahl, Osters, Calibers, and BaByliss to guarantee every taper or fade is sharp and polished to perfection. Once the hair is faded to the client’s satisfaction, Davis says they trim or cut the rest of the hair and finish with a line-up, outlining the cut with precision while maintaining the client’s natural hairline.
Davis says that most services at Platinum Cuts take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, with add-on options including beard trims or color services, and last about seven to 10 days. Haircut services at Platinum Cuts begin at $45, with a $10 additional charge for a beard trim or a $10 discount for children. Whether you come in for a fade, taper, or another service, Platinum Cuts ensures every client leaves with a style that’s modern, fresh, and long-lasting.
Next Up: Scalp Care and the Skinification of Hair 2.0
Header image credit (from left to right): Instagram/@je_parlour, @swellabeauty, and @fadesofgray
